 Book 2. Prologue. The Legend of Sogion. Right well I won't, most mighty sovereign, that all this famous antique history, of some the aboundance of an idle brain, will judge it be, and painted forgery, rather than matter of just memory. Sith none that breatheth living air, does know, where is that happy land of fairy, which I so much do want, yet nowhere can show, but vouch antiquities, which nobody can know. But let that man with better sense advise, that of the world least part to us is red, and daily, how through hardy enterprise, many great regions are discovered, which to late age were never mentioned it. Who ever heard of the Indian Peru, or who in ventures vessel measured the Amazon huge river now found true, or fruitless Virginia, who did ever view? Yet all these were, when no man did them know, yet have from wisest ages hidden been, and later times things more unknown shall show. Why then should witless man so much misween that nothing is, but that which he hath seen? What if within the moon's fair shining sphere? What if in every other star unseen of other worlds he happily should hear? He wonder would much more, yet such to some appear. Or fairy-land, yet if he more inquire, by certain signs he is set in sundry place he may it find, nor let him then admire, but yield his sense to be to blunt and base, that note without unhound find footing trace, and thou, O fairest princess under sky, in this fair mirror mayst behold thy face, and thine own realms in land of fairy, and in this antique image thy great ancestry. The witch, O pardon me to thus enfold in covered veil, and wrap in shadow's light, that feeble eyes your glory may behold, which else could not endure those beameth bright, but would be dazzled with exceeding light. O pardon, and much safe with patient ear the brave adventures of this fairy-night, the good Sagaion graciously to hear, in whom great rule of temperance goodly doth appear. End of Prologue, Book 2, The Legend of Sagaion Legend of Sagaion, or of temperance, Canto I Gaion, by archimage abused, the Red Cross Knight awaits, finds mordant and amavia slain, with pleasures poisoned baits. That cunning architect of canker'd Gaion, whom princes late displeasure left in bands, for falsed letters and suborned while, soon as the Red Cross Knight he understands, to being departed out of Eden lands. To serve again his sovereign Elphin Queen, his arts he moves, and out of Catef's hands, himself he frees by secret means unseen, his shackles empty left, himself escaped clean. And forth he fares, full of malicious mind, to work in mischief and avenging woe, wherever he that godly night may find, his only heart soar, and his only foe. Sith Una now, he ulgates must forego, whom his victorious hands did erst restore, to native crown and kingdom lay to go, where she enjoys sure peace for evermore, as weather-beaten ship arrived on happy shore. Him therefore now the object of his spite, and deadly feud he makes, him to offend, by forgid treason or by open fight, he seeks of all his drift the aimid end. There too his subtle engines he does bend, his practic wit and his fair phyled tongue, with thousand other slights, for well he caned, his credit now in doubtful balance hung, for hardly could be hurt who was already stung. Still, as he went, he crafty stales did lay, with cunning trains him to entrap unwares, and privy speels placed in all his way, to wheat what course he takes and how he fares, to catch him at advantage in his snares. But now so wise and wary was the night, by trial of his former harms and cares, that he described and shunned still his slight, the fish that once was caught knew bait will hardly bite. Now the less the enchanter would not spare his pain, in hope to win occasion to his will, which when he long awaited had in vain, he changed his mind from one to other ill, for to all good he enemy was still. Upon the way him fortunate to meet, fair marching underneath a shady hill, a goodly night, all armed in harness meat, that from his head no place appeared to his feet. His carriage was full comely and upright, his countenance demure and temperate, but yet so stern and terrible in sight, that cheered his friends and did his foes a mate. He was an elfin born of noble state, and Mikkel worship in his native land, well could he turny, and enlists debate, and knighthood took of good Sir Hughan's hand, when with King Oberon he came to Fairyland. Him also companyed upon the way, a comely palmer clad in black attire, of ripest years and hares all hoary gray, that with a staff his feeble steps did stire, lest his long way his aged limbs should tire. And if by looks one may the mind a-read, he seemed to be a sage and sober sire, and ever with slow pace the knight did lead, who taught his trampling steed with equal steps to tread. Such one as Archimago them did view, he weened well to work some uncouth while, effed soonce untwisting his deceitful clue, he ganned to weave a web of wicked guile, and with fair countenance and flattering style, to them approaching thus the knight's bake. There, son of Mars, that seek with warlike spoil, and great achievements great yourself to make, vouch safe to stay your steed for humble miser's sake. He stayed his steed for humble miser's sake, and bade tell on the tenor of his plaint, who feigning them in every limb to quake, through inward fear and seeming pale and faint, with piteous moan his piercing speech ganned paint. Dear lady, how shall I declare thy case, whom late I left in languorous constraint, would God thyself now present were in place, to tell this rueful tale, thy sight could win thee grace? Or rather would, oh would it so had chanced, that you most noble sir had present been, when that lewd ribbled with vile lust advanced, laid first his filthy hands on virgin clean, to spoil her dainty corpse so fair and sheen, as on the earth great mother of us all, with living eye more fair was never seen of chastity and honour virginal. Witness ye heavens, whom she in vain to help did call. How may it be, said then the night, half-roth, that night should knighthood ever so have shent? None but that saw, quote he, would wean for troth, how shamefully that made he did torment. Her looser golden locks he rudely rent, and drew her on the ground, and his sharp sword against her snowy breast he fiercely bent, and threatened death with many a bloody word, tongue hates to tell the rest that I to see abhorred. Therewith a movid from his sober mood, and lives he yet, said he, that wrought this act, and done the heavens afford him vital food? He lives, quote he, and boasteth of the fact, nay yet hath any night his courage cracked. Where may that treacher then, said he, be found, or by what means may I his footing tract? That shall I show, said he, as sure as hound, the stricken dear doth challenge by the bleeding wound. He stayed not lengertock, but with fierce ire, and zealous haste away is quickly gone. To seek that night, where him that crafty squire, supposed to be, they do arrive anon. Where sat a gentle lady all alone, with garments rent, and hair disheveled, ringing her hands, and making piteous moan, her swollen eyes were much disfigured, and her fair face with tears was foully blubbered. The night approaching nigh, thus to her said, Fair lady, through foul sorrow ill bedight, great pity is to see you thus dismayed, and mar the blossom of your beauty bright, forth he appease your grief and heavy plight, and tell the cause of your conceivid pain. For if he live that hath you done despite, he shall you do do reckon paints again, or else his wrong with greater puissance maintain. Which when she heard, as in despiteful wise, she willfully her sorrow did augment, and offered hope of comfort did despise. Her golden locks most cruelly she rent, and scratched her face with ghastly dreariment. Nay would she speak, nay see, nay yet be seen, but hid her visage, and her head down bent, either for grievous shame, or for great teen, as if her heart with sorrow had trinf's fixid bean. Till her that squire bespaked, Madame, my leaf, for God's dear love be not so willful bent, but do vouchsafe now to receive relief, the which good fortune doth to you present. For what boots it to weep, and to why meant, when ill is chanced, but doth the ill increase, and the weak mind with double woe torment. When she, her squire, heard speak, she gann appease, her voluntary pain, and feel some secret ease. Eft soon, she said, Ah, gentle trusty squire, what comfort can I woeful wretch conceive, or why should ever I, henceforth, desire, to see fair heaven's face, and life not leave? Sith that false traitor did my honour reave. False traitor, certs, said the fairy-night. I read the man that ever would deceive a gentle lady, or her wrong through might. Death were too little pain for such a foul despite. But now, fair lady, comfort to you make, and read who hath ye wrong this shameful plight, that short revenge the man may overtake, where so he be, and soon upon him light. Certs, said she, I wot not how he hight, but under him a grey steed did he wield, whose sides were dappled circles were in-dite. Upright he rode, and in his silver shield he bore a bloody cross that quartered all the field. Now, by my head, said Guyon, much I muse, how that same night should do so foul amiss, or ever gentle damsel so abuse, for may I boldly say he surely is a right good-night, and true of word it is. I present was, and can it witness well, when arms he swore, and straight did enterpris, the adventure of the errant damsel, in which he hath great glory won, as I here tell. Now, the less he shortly shall again be tried, and fairly quite him of the imputed blame, else be ye sure he dearly shall abide, or make you good amendment for the same. All wrongs have men's, but no amends of shame. Now, therefore, lady, rise out of your pain, and see the salving of your blotted name. Full loath she seemed there too, but yet did feign, for she was inly glad her purpose so to gain. Her purpose was not such as she did feign, nor yet her person such as it was seen, but under simple show and semblant plain lurked false duessa, secretly unseen, as a chaste virgin that had wronged been. So had false Archimago her disguised, to cloak her guile with sorrow and sad teen, and Eek himself had craftily devised, to be her squire, and do her service well aghized. Her late forlorn and naked he had found, where she did wander in waste wilderness, lurking in rocks and caves far underground, and with green moss covering her nakedness. To hide her shame and loathly filthiness, sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments and borrowed beauty spoiled. Her, now the less, the enchanter finding fit for his intents, did thus revest, and decked with due habiliments. For all he did was to deceive good knights, and draw them from pursuit of praise and fame, to slug in sloth and sensual delights, and end their days with irrenowment shame. And now exceeding grief him overcame, to see the Red Cross thus advanced high, therefore this crafty engine did he frame, against his praise to stir up enmity, of such as virtues like moat unto him a lie. So now he guy on guides an uncouth way, through woods and mountains, till they came at last, into a pleasant dale that lowly lay, betwixt two hills whose high heads overplaced the valley did with cool shade overcast. Through midst thereof a little river rolled, by which there sat a night with helm unlaced, himself refreshing with the liquid cold, after his travel long and labours manifold. Low yonder he, cried Archimage aloud, that wrought the shameful fact which I did shoe, and now he doth himself in secret shroud, to fly the vengeance for his outrage due, but vain, for ye shall dearly do him rue. So God ye speed and send you good success, which we, far off, will hear abide to view. So they him left, inflamed with raffle-ness, that straight against that night his spear he did address. Who seeing him from far so fierce to prick, his warlike arms about him gan embrace, and in the rest his ready spear did stick, though when as he saw him towards pace he gan run counter him in equal race. They bin he met, both ready to affrap, when suddenly that warrior gan abase, his threatened spear, as if some new mishap, had him betid, or hidden danger did entrap. And cried, Mercy Sir Knight, and Mercy Lord, for mine offence and heedless hardiment, that had almost committed crime abhorred, and with reproachful shame mine honour shent. Whilst cursed steel against that badge I bent, the sacred badge of my Redeemer's death, which on your shield is set for ornament. But his fierce foe, his steed could stay uneath, who pricked with courage keen did cruel battle-breathe. But when he heard him speak, straight way he knew, his error and himself inclining said, Ah, dear Sir Guyon, well be cometh you, but me Behuveth rather to up-braid, whose hasty hand so far from reason strayed, that almost it did heinous violence on that fair image of that heavenly maid, that dex and arms your shield with fair defence. Your courtesy takes on you and others do offence. So bean they both at one, and done up rear their beavers bright, each other for to greet, goodly compotence each to other bear, and entertain themselves with courtesy's meat. Then said the Red Cross Knight, now moat I wheat, Sir Guyon, why with so fierce salience, and fell intent ye did at erst me meet. For sith I know your goodly governance, great cause I wean, you guided, or some uncouth chance. Sirts, said he, well moat I shame to tell, the fond and sheason that me hither led. A false infamous fater late befell, me for to meet that seemed ill bestowed, and plain'd of grievous outrage which he read. A knight had wrought against a lady gent, which to avenge he to this place me led, where you, he made the mark of his intent, and now is fled. Foul shame him follow where he went. So can he turn his earnest unto game, through goodly handling and wise temperance, by this his aged guide in presence came, who soon as on that night his eye did glance, effed soonce of him had perfect cognizance. Sith him in fairy court, he late advised, and said, Fair son, God give you happy chance, and that dear cross upon your shield devised, wherewith above all nights ye goodly seem aghized. Joy you may have, an everlasting fame, of late most hard achievement by you done, for which enrol it is your glorious name, in heavenly registers above the sun, where you, a saint, with saints your seat have won. But wretched we, where ye have left your mark, must now anew begin, like race to run, God guide thee guy on, well to end thy work, and to the wish'd haven bring thy weary bark. Palmer, him answer'd the Red Cross Knight, his be the praise that this achievement wrought, who made my hand the organ of his might, more than good will to me attribute not, for all I did, I did but as I ought. But you, fair sir, whose pageant next ensues, well moat ye thee, as well can wish your thought, that home ye may report thrice happy news, for well ye worthy been for worth and gentle views. So courteous Kongi both did give and take, with right hands plighted, pledges of good will, then guy on forward Gann his forage make, with his black Palmer, that him guided still. Still he him guided over Dale and Hill, and with his steady staff did point his way, his race with reason, and with words his will, from foul intemperance he oft'd stay, and suffered not in wrath his hasty steps to stray. In this fair wise they travelled long if air, through many hard assays which did betide, of which he honour still away did bear, and spread his glory through all countries wide. At last, as chanced them by a forest side, to pass for succour from the scorching ray, they heard a rueful voice that durnly cried, with piercing shrieks and many a doleful lay, which to attend a while their forward steps they stay. But if that careless heavens quoth she, despise the doom of just revenge, and take delight, to see sad pageants of men's miseries, as bound by them to live in lives despite, yet can they not warn death from wretched white? Come then, come soon, come sweetest death to me, and take away this long-lent, loathed light, sharp be thy wounds, but sweet the medicines be, that long-captivate souls from weary thrall them free. But thou, sweet babe, whom frowning froad fate hath made sad witness of thy father's fall, sith heaven thee deans to hold in living state, long mayest thou live, and better thrive with all, than to thy luckless parents did befall. Live thou, and to thy mother dead attest, that clear she died from blemish criminal, thy little hands imbrewed in bleeding breast, low eye for pledges leave, so give me leave to rest. With that a deadly shriek she forth did throw, that through the wood re-echoed again, and after gave a groan so deep and low, that seemed her tender heart was rent in twain, or thrilled with point of through piercing pain. As gentle hind, whose size with cruel steel, through-launched forth her bleeding life does reign, whilst the sad pang approaching she does feel, braze out her latest breath, and up her eyes doth seal. Which when that warrior heard, dismounting straight, from his tall steed he rushed into the thick, and soon arrived where that sad portrait of death and dollar lay, half dead, half quick, in whose white alabaster breast did stick, a cruel knife that made a grisly wound, from which forth gushed a stream of gore-blood thick, that all her goodly garments stained around, and into a deep sanguine died the grassy ground. Pitiful spectacle of deadly smart, beside a bubbling fountain-low she lay, which she increased with her bleeding heart, and the clean waves with purple gore did ray. Alse in her lap a lovely babe did play, his cruel sport instead of sorrow due, for in her streaming blood did he imbay, his little hands and tender joints imbrew, pitiful spectacle as ever I did view. Besides them both, upon the soiled grass, the dead course of an armoured night was spread, whose armour all with blood besprinkled was, his ruddy lips did smile, and rosy red did paint his cheerful cheeks yet being dead. Seemed to have been a goodly personage, now in his freshest flower of lusty head, fit to inflame fair lady with love's rage, but that fierce fate did crop the blossom of his age. Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold, his heart gan wax as stark as marble stone, and his fresh blood did freeze with fearful cold, that all his senses seemed bereft at one. At last his mighty ghost gan deep to groan, as lion grudging in his great disdain, mourns inwardly and makes to himself moan, till Ruth and frail affection did constrain, his stout courage to stoop and show his inward pain. Out of her gored wound the cruel steel he lightly snatched and did the flood-gate stop with his fair garment, then gan softly feel her feeble pulse to prove if any drop of living blood yet in her veins did hop. Which when he felt to move, he hoped it fair to call back life to her forsaken shop. So well did he her deadly wounds repair, that at the last she gan to breathe out living air. Which he perceiving greatly gan rejoice, and goodly counsel, that for wounded heart, is meetest medicine, tempered with sweet voice. I me, dear lady, which the image art of rueful pity and impatient smart. What direful chance, armed with avenging fate, or cursed hand hath played this cruel part, thus foul to hasten your untimely date. Speak, O dear lady, speak, help never comes too late. There with her dim eyelids she upgan rear, on which the dreary death did sit as sad, as lump of lead and made dark clouds appear. But when as him all in bright armor clad, before her standing she aspired had, as one out of a deadly dream afright, she weakly started, yet she nothing dread. Straight down again herself in great despite she groveling through to ground, as hating life and light. The gentle night, her soon with careful pain, uplifted light, and softly did uphold. Thrice he herreared, and thrice she sunk again, till he his arms about her sides gan fold. And to her said, Yet if the stony cold have not all seized on your frozen heart, let one word fall that may your grief unfold, and tell the secret of your mortal smart. He oft finds present help who does his grief in part. Then casting up a deadly look full low, she sighed from bottom of her wounded breast, and after many bitter throbs did throw, with lips full pale and faltering tongue oppressed. These words she breathed forth from riven chest. Leave, ah, leave off whatever white thou be, to let a weary wretch from her due rest, and trouble dying soul's tranquility, take not away now, God, which none would give to me. Ah, far be it, said he, dear dame from me, to hinder soul from her desire adressed, or hold sad life in long captivity, for all I seek is but to have redressed the bitter pangs that doth your heart infest. Tell then, O lady, tell what fatal grief hath with so huge misfortune you oppressed, that I may cast to compass your relief, or die with you in sorrow, and partake your grief. With feeble hands then stretched forth on high, as heaven accusing guilty of her death, and with dry drops congealed in her eye, in these sad words she spent her utmost breath. Here, then, O man, the sorrows that unearth my tongue can tell, so far all sense they pass. Lo, this dead corpse that lies here underneath, the gentlest night that ever on green grass, gay steed with spurs did prick, the good Sir Mordant was, was, I the while, that he is not so now. My lord, my love, my dear lord, my dear love, so long as heavens just with equal brow vouchsafed to behold us from above, one day, when him high courage did and move, as wanty knights to seek adventures wild. He pricked forth his puissant force to prove, me, then, he left and wombid of this child, this luckless child, whom thus ye see with blood defiled. Him fortunate, hard fortune ye may guess, to come where vile Acrasia does one, Acrasia a false enchantress that many errant knights hath foul foredone, within a wandering island that doth run, and stray in perilous gulf her dwelling is. Fair sir, if ever their ye travel shun the cursed land where many when to miss, and know it by the name, it height the bower of bliss. Her bliss is all in pleasure and delight, wherewith she makes her lovers drunk and mad, and then with words and weeds of wondrous might, on them she works her will to use as bad. My leafless lord she thus beguiled had, for he was flesh, all flesh doth frailty breed, whom when I heard to bean so ill bestad, weak wretch I wrapped myself in Palmer's weed, and cast to seek him forth through danger and great dreed. Now had fair Cynthia by even turns, full measured three quarters of her year, and thrice three times had filled her crooked horns, when as my womb her burden would forbear, and bade me call Lucina to me near. Lucina came, a man-child forth I brought. The woods, the nymphs, the bowers my midwives were, hard help at need. So dear the babe I bought, yet not too dear I deemed, while so my dear I sought. Him so I sought, and so at last I found, where him that witch had thrallied to her will, in chains of lust and lewd desires abound, and so transformed from his former skill, that me he knew not, neither his own ill, till through wise handling and fair governance I him recured to a better will. Purged from drugs of foul intemperance, then means I again devise for his deliverance. Which when the vile enchanterous perceived, how that my lord from her I would reprieve, with cup thus charmed, him parting she deceived. Sad verse, give death to him that death does give, and loss of love to her that loves to live, so soon as Bacchus with the nymph does link. So parted we, and on our journey driv, till coming to this well, he stooped to drink, the charm fulfilled, dead, suddenly he down did sink. Which when I wretched, not one word more she said, but breaking off the end for want of breath, and sliding soft, as down to sleep her laid, and ended all her woe in quiet death. That seeing, good Sir Guyon could uneath, from tears abstain, for grief his heart did great, and from so heavy sight his head did wreath, accusing fortune and too cruel fate, which plunge'd had fair lady in so wretched state. Then turning to his Palmer said, Old Sire, behold the image of mortality, and feeble nature clothed with fleshly tire, when raging passion with fierce tyranny robs reason of her due regality, and makes it servant to her basest part. The strong it weakens with infirmity, and with bold fury arms the weakest heart. The strong through pleasure soonest falls the weak through smart. But temperance said he, with golden squire, betwixt them both can measure out a mean, neither to melt in pleasure's hot desire, nor fry in heartless grief and doleful teen. Thrice happy man, who fares them both atwein, but sith this wretched woman, her overcome of anguish, rather than of crime hath been, with sure her cause to her eternal doom, and in the mean, her safe, her honourable tomb. Palmer quoth he, death is an equal doom to good and bad, the common inn of rest, but after death the trial is to come, when best shall be to them that live at best, but both alike when death hath both suppressed, religions reverence sith burial teen, which whosoever wants wants so much of his rest. For also great shame after death I wean, as self to die and bad, unburied bad to be. So both agree their bodies to engrave, the great earth's womb they open to the sky, and with sad cypress seemly it embrace. Then, carving with a clod their closer die, they lay therein those courses tenderly, and bid them sleep in everlasting peace, but ere they did their utmost subsequent. For guy and more affection to increase, by intent a sacred vow, which none should ay release. The dead knight soared out of his sheath, he drew, with which he cut a lock of all their hair, which meddling with their blood and earth, he threw into the grave, and again devoutly swear, such and such evil God on Goy and Rhea, And worse and worse, young orphan, be thy pain, if I or thou, due vengeance do a bear, till guilty blood her garden doth do obtain. So shedding many tears, they closed the earth again. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVarx.org. Recording by Morgan Scorpion At the end of their sad tragedy uptied, the little babe up in his arms he hent, who with sweet pleasant and bold blandishment, gowns smiling them, that rather ought to weep, as careless of his woe, or innocent of that was done, that Ruth empeised deep in that night's heart, and words with bitter tears did steep. Ah, luckless babe, born under cruel star, and in dead parents baleful ashes bred, full little weanest thou what sorrows are left thee for portion of thy livelihood. Poor orphan in the wild world, scattered, as budding branch rent from the native tree, and throw in forth till it be withered. Such is the state of men, thus enter we into this life with woe, and end with misery. Then soft himself in climbing on his knee, down to that well did in the water wean, so loved as loath disdainful nicety. His guilty hands from bloody gore to clean, he washed them off and off, yet naught they been for all his washing cleaner. Still he strove, yet still the little hands were bloody seen, the which him into great amazement drove, and into diverse doubt his wavering wonder clove. He was not where the blot of foul offence might not be purged with water nor with bath, or that high God, in lieu of innocence, imprinted had that token of his wrath, to show how sore blood guiltiness he hatheth, or that the charm and venom which they drunk, their blood with secret filth infected hath, being diffused through the senseless trunk, that through the great contagion direly deadly stunk. Whom thus at gaze the palmer gant aboard with godly reason, and thus fair bespake, you've been right hard-emated, greatest Lord, and of your ignorance great marvel make, whilst cause not well conceived ye mistake, but know that secret virtues are infused in every fountain and in every lake, which who hath skill them rightly to have choosed, to proof of passing wonders hathful often used. But those some were so far from their source endued, by great dame nature, from whose fruitful pap their well-head spring, and are with moisture-dude, which feeds each living plant with liquid sap, and fills with flowers fair flora's painted lap. But other some by gift of later grace, or by good prayers, or by other hap, had virtue poured into their water's base, and thenceforth were renumbed, and sought from place to place. Such is this well, wrought by occasion strange, which to her nymph befell upon a day, as she with the woods with bow and shafts adrange, the heartless hind and row-buck to dismay, down fawness, chanced to meet her by the way, and kindling fire at her fair-burning eye, inflamed whilst to follow beauty's chase, and chased her, that fast from him did fly, as hind from her, so she fled from her enemy. At last, when failing breath began to faint, and saw no means to escape, of shame afraid, to set her down to weep for sore constraint, and to Diana calling loud for aid, her dear besought to let her die a maid. The goddess heard, and sudden where she sat, welling out streams of tears and quite dismayed, with stony fear of that rude rustic mate, transformed her to a stone from steadfast virgin state. Lo, now she is that stone, from whose two heads as from two weeping eyes fresh streams do flow. Yet cold through fear and old-conceived dreads, and yet the stone her semblance seems to show, shaped like a maid, that such she may her know, and yet her virtues in her water-bide, for it is chaste and pure as purest snow, nor lets her waves with any filth be dyed, but ever like herself and stained have been tried. From thence it comes that this babed bloody hand may not be cleansed with water of this well, nor certest, sir, strive you it to withstand, but let them still be bloody, as befell, that they his mother's innocence may tell, as she bequeathed in her last testament, that as a sacred symbol it may dwell in her son's flesh, to mind revengement, and be for all chaste dames and endless monument. He hearkened to his reason, and the child up-taking to the Palmer gave to bear, but his sad father's arms with blood defiled, and heavy load himself did lightly rear, and turning to that place in which, while there, he left his lofty steed with golden cell, and goodly gorgeous barbs, him found not there. By other accident that erst befell, he is conveyed, but how or where, if it's not tell. Which, when Sir Guyon saw, all were he wroth, yet Algate's moat he soft himself appease, and fairly fair on foot, however loath, his double burden did him sore disease. So long they travelled with little ease, till at last they to a castle came, built on a rock adjoining to the seas. It was an ancient work of antique fame, and wondrous strong by nature, and by skillful frame. Therein three sisters dwelt of sundry sort. The children of one sire by mothers three, who, dying well-own, did divide this fort, to them by equal shares in equal fee. But strifeful mind, and diverse quality, drew them in parts, and each made others foe. Still did they strive, and daily disagree. The eldest did against the youngest girl, and both against the middest meant to work and woe. Where, when the night arrived, he was right well received, as night of so much worth became, of second sister, who did far excel the other two. Medina was her name, a sober, sad, and calmly courteous dame, who rich arrayed, and yet in modest guise, in goodly garments, that her well became, fair marching forth and honourable wise, him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise. She led him up into a goodly bar, and calmly courted with meat modesty, nor in her speech, nor in her havia, was lightness seen, or looser vanity, but gracious womanhood, and gravity, above the reason of her youthly years. Her golden locks she roundly did up-tie in breaded trammels, that no looser hairs did out of order stray about her dainty ears. Whilst she herself, thus busily did frame, seemly to entertain her newcom guest, news hereof to her other sisters came, who all this while were at their wanton rest, accorting each her friend with lavish fest. There were two nights of peerless precance, and famous far abroad for warlike guest, which to these ladies laughed at countenance, and to his mistress each himself strove to advance. He that made love unto the eldest dame was Hyde Sohoedobrath, an hardy man, yet not so good of deeds as great of name, which he by many rash adventures won. Since errant arms to so he first began, more huge in strength than wise in works he was, and reason with full hardies overran, stern melancholy did his courage pass, and was for terror more all armed in shining breath. But he that loved the youngest was Sonsloy, he that fair Yuna late foul-out raged. The most unruly and the boldest boy that ever warlike weapons managed, and to all lawless lust encouraged, through strong opinion of his matchless might, nor ought he cared whom he endamaged by tortious wrong, or whom bereaved of right, he now this ladies' champion chose for love to fight. These two gay knights, vowed to so diverse loves, each other does envy with deadly hate, and daily war against his fulmin' moves in hopes to win more favour with his mate, and the others pleasing service to abate, to magnify his own. But when they heard how in that place strange night arrived late, both knights and ladies forthright angry fared, and fiercely unto battle-stone themselves prepared. But ere they could proceed unto the place, where he abode, themselves that discord fell, and cruel combat joined in middle-space, with horrible assault and fury fell, they heaped huge strokes, the scorned life to quell, that all on uproar from her settled seat, the house was raised, and all that indid dwell seemed that loud thunder with amazement great, did rend the rattling skies with flames of faltering heat. The noise thereof called forth that stranger night, to wheat, what dreadful thing was there in hand, where, when as two brave knights in bloody fight with deadly ranker he enraged font, his sun-rod shield about his rest he bond, and shining blade unsheathed, with which he ran unto that stead, their strife to understand, and at his first arrival, then began with goodly means to pacify, well as he can. But they him spying, both with greedy force, a taunts upon him ran, and him beset with strokes of mortal steel without remorse, and on his shield like iron sledges bet, as when a bear and tiger being met in cruel fight, on libeck ocean-wide, aspire traveller with feats of bet, whom they in equal prey a hope to divide, they stint their strife, and him assail on every side. But he, not like a weary traveller, their sharp assault right boldly did rebut, and suffered not their blows to bite him near, but with redoubled buffs them back did put, whose grieved minds, with collar did englut, against themselves, turning their wrathful spite, ghan with new rage their shields to hue and cut. But still when Gion came to part their fight, with heavy load on him they freshly ghan to smite, as a tall ship tossed in trouble seas, whom raging winds threatening to make the prey of the rough rocks to diversely disease, meets two contrary billows by the way, that her on either side to saw a say, and boast to swallow her in greedy grave. She, scorning both their spights, doth make wide way, and with her breast breaking the foamy wave, doth ride on both their backs, and fare herself doth save. So boldly he him bears and rusheth forth between them both, by conduct of his blade, wondrous great prowess and heroic worth he showed that day, and rare in sample made, when two so mighty warriors he dismayed. At once he wards and strikes, he takes and pays, now forced to yield, now forcing to invade, before, behind, and round about him lays, so double was his pains, so double be his praise. Strange sort of fight, three valiant knights to see, three combats join in one, and two derain a triple war with triple enmity, all for their ladies forward love to gain, which gotten was but hate. So love does reign in stoutest minds, and maketh monstrous war. He maketh war, he maketh peace again, and yet his peace is but continual jar. O miserable men, that to him subject are. Whilst thus they mingled were in furious arms, the fair Medina with her tresses torn, and naked breasts in pity of their harms amongst them rang, and falling them before, besought them by the womb which them had borne, and by the loves which were to them most dear, and by the knighthood which they sure had sworn their deadly cruel discord to forbear, and to her just conditions of fair peace to hear. But her two other sisters standing by her loud gain sane, and both their champions bad pursue the end of their strong enmity, as ever of their loves they would be glad. Yet she with pithy words and counsel sad still strove their stubborn rages to revoke, that at the last suppressing fury mad they gan of stain from dint of direthal stroke, and hearken to the sober speeches which she spoke. Ah, precent lords, what cursed evil spright, or fail erroneous in your noble hearts, her hellish brunt hath kindled with despite, and stirred you up to work your willful smarts. Is this the joy of arms? Be these the parts of glorious knighthood after blood to thrust, and not regard you right in just deserts? Vein is the vaunt, and victory unjust, that more to mighty hands than rightful cause doth trust. And were their rightful cause of difference, yet were not better fair it to accord than with blood-guiltiness to a heap of fence, and mortal vengeance joined to climb a port? O fly from wrath, fly, O my leafless lord, sad be the sights and bitter fruits of war, and thousand furies wait on wrathful sword. Nor ought the praise of prowess more doth mar, than foul-revenging rage and base contentious jar. But lovely concord, and most sacred peace doth nourish virtue, and fast friendship breeds. Weak she makes strong, and strong thing doth increase, till it the pitch of highest praise exceeds. Brave be her wars, and honourable deeds, by which she triumphs over iron pride, and wins an olive girlen for her meads. Be therefore, O my dear lords, pacified, and this misseeming discord meekly lay aside. Her gracious words their ranker did appall, and sunk so deep into their boiling breasts, that down they let their cruel weapons fall, and lowly did abase their lofty crests to her fair presence, and discreet behests. Then she began a treaty to procure, and established terms betricks both their requests, that as a law for ever should endure, which to observe in word of knights they did assure. Which to confirm, and fast to bind their league, after their wary sweat and bloody toil, she then besought, during their quiet trig, into her lodgings to repair a while, to rest themselves, and grace to reconcile. They soon consented so forth with her they fare, where they are well received, and made to spoil themselves of soiled arms, and to prepare their minds to pleasure, and their mouths to dainty fare. And these two forward sisters their fair loves came with them eek, all were they wondrous loth and feigned cheer, as for the time behoves, but could not culler yet so well the troth, but that their natures bad appeared in both, for both did at their second sister grudge, and inly grieve, as dull and hidden moth the inner garment fret, not the utter touch. One thought their cheer too little, the other thought too much. Elissa, so the eldest height, did deem such entertainment base, nor ought would eat, nor ought would speak, but ever more did seem as discontent for want of mirth or meat. No solace could her paramour entreat her wants to show, nor court nor dalliance, but with bent larring brows, as she would threat, she scowled, and frowned with forward countenance, unworthy of fair ladies comely governance. But young Parissa was of other mind, full of despot, still laughing, loosely light, and quite contrary to her sister's kind. No measure in her mood, no rule of right, but poured out in pleasure and delight. In wine and meats she flowed above the bank, and in excess exceeded her own might. In sumptuous tire she joyed herself to prank, but of her love too lavish. Little how she sank. Fast by her side did the bold sounds lie, fit mate for such a mincing minion, who in her looseness took exceeding joy, might not be found a francophanean of her lewd parts to make companion. But Hoodibras, more like a malcontent, did see and grieve at his bold fashion, hardly could he endure his hardiment, yet still he sat, and inlated himself torment. Betwixt them both the fair Medinusate, with sober grace and goodly courage. With equal measure she did moderate the strong extremities of their outrage, that forward pair she ever would assuage, when they would strive due reason to exceed, but that same forward twain would encourage, and of her plenty add unto their need, so kept she them in order, and herself in heed. Thus fairly she atempered her feast, and pleased them all with meat satiety. At last, when lust of meat and drink was ceased, she, guy on dear, besought of courtesy, to tell from whence he came through jeopardy, and wither now on new adventure-bound, who with bold grace and conely gravity, drawing to him the eyes of all around, from lofty siege began these words aloud to sound. This thy demand, lady, doth revive fresh memory in me of that great queen, great and most glorious virgin queen alive, that with her sovereign power, and sceptre sheen, all fairy-lunt doth peaceably sustain. In widest ocean she her throne doth rear, though over all the earth it may be seen, as morning sun her beams to spread and clear, and in her face fair peace and mercy doth appear. In her the riches of all heavenly grace, in chief degree are heaped up on high, and all that else this world's enclosure base has great or glorious in mortal eye, adorns the person of her majesty, that men beholding so great excellence, and rare perfection in mortality, do her adore with sacred reverence, as the idol of her maker's great magnificence. To her I homage, and my service owe, in number of the noblest nights on ground, amongst whom on me she deign to bestow order of maiden-head, the most renowned that may this day in all the world be found, and yearly solemn feast she wants to make, the day that first doth lead the year around, to which all nights of worth and courage-bold resort to hear of strange adventures to be told. There this old palmer showed himself that day, and to the mighty princess did complain of grievous mischiefs, which a wicked fey had wrought, and many whirmed in deadly pain, whereof he craved redress. My sovereign, whose glory is in gracious deeds, and joys throughout the world her mercy to maintain, effed soonce devised redress for such a noise, me all unfit for so great purpose she employs. Now hath fair Phoebe, with her silver face, thrice seen the shadows of the netherworld. It is last I left that honourable place in which her royal presence is enthralled. Nor ever shall I rest in house nor hold, till I that false a crazier have won, of whose foul deeds do hideous to be told I witness am, and this their wretched son, whose woeful parents she hath wickedly foredone. Tell on, fair Sir, said she, that doleful tale, from which sad Ruth does seem you to restrain, that we may pity such unhappy bail, and learn from pleasures poisoned to abstain. Ill by ensemble good doth often gain, then forward he his purpose can pursue, and told the story of the mortal pain, which Mordent and Amavia did rue, as with lamenting eyes himself did lately view. Nigh was far spent, and now in ocean deep, Orion, flying fast from hissing snake, his flaming head did hasten for to steep, when of his piteous tale he end did make, whilst with delight of that he wisely spake, those guests beguiled did beguile their eyes of kindly sleep, that did them overtake. At last, when they had marked the changered skies, they whisked their hour was spent them each to rest him highs. End of Canto 2 Book 2 The Legend of Sogion Book 2 Canto 3 The Legend of Sogion This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. Recording by Morgan Scorpion. The Fairy Queen by Edmund Spencer. Book 2 The Legend of Sogion. Canto 3 Vane Bregadotcio, getting Gion's horse, is made the scorn of knighthood true, his offair Belfibi foul forlorn. Soon as the moral fair with purple beams dispersed the shadows of the misty night, and Titan, playing on the eastern streams, cleared the dewy air with springing light, Sogion, mindful of his vowy plight, up rose from drowsy couch, and him addressed unto the journey which he had be-height, his precinct arms about his noble breast, and many folded shield he bound about his rest. Then taking of that virgin pure, the bloody-handed babe unto her truth did earnestly commit, and her conjure, in virtuous law to train his tender youth, and all that gentle nouriture ensouce, and that so soon as ripe a year's he wrought, he might, for memory of that day's roof, be called Rodimaine, and thereby taught to avenge his parents' death on them that had it wrought. So forth he fard, as now befell, on foot, sith his goodly steed is lately from him gone, patience for force, helpless, what may it boot to fret for anger, or for grief to moan, his palmen now shall foot no more alone. So fortune wrought, as under Greenwood's side, he lately heard that dying lady groan. He left his steed without, and spear beside, and rushed in on foot to aid her, ere she died. The wiles are loosal, wandering by the way, one that to bounty never cast his mind, nor thought of honour ever did a say his base abreast, but in his kestrel kind a pleasing vein of glory vein did find. To which his flowing tongue and troubleous sprite gave him great aid, and made him more inclined he that brave steed there finding ready-dite, forloined both steed and spear, and ran away full light. Now gone his heart all swell in yority, and of himself great hope and help conceived, that puffed up with smoke of vanity, and with self-loved personage deceived, he ganned to hope of men to be received for such, as he him thought, or feign would be, but for in court gay portents he perceived, and gallant show to be in greatest grief, effed soonce to court he cast avance his first degree. And by the way he chancred to aspire one sitting idle on a sunny bank, the room of wanting in great bravery as peacock, that his painted plumes doth crank, he smote his coarser in the trembling flank, and to him threatened his heart thrilling spear. The silly man seeing him ride so rank, and aim at him fell flat to ground for fear, and crying mercy-loud his pitchers hands gone rear. There at the scarecrow works at wondrous proud, through fortune of his first adventure fair, and with big thundering voice reviled him loud. Violcative, vassal of dread and despair, unworthy of the common breathed air, why liveest thou, dead dog, a longer day, and dost not unto death thy self-prepare, die, or thy self my captive yield for a? Great favour I thee grant, for answer thus to stay. Hold, dear lord, hold your dead-doing hand, then loud he cried, I am your humble thrall, I'll wretch, quoth he, thy destinies withstand my wrathful will, and do for mercy call. I give thee life, therefore prostrated fall, and kiss my stirrup, that thy homage be. The miser threw himself, as an awful, straight at his foot in base humility, and cleaped him his liege, to hold up him in fee. So happy peace they made, and fair accord, effed soonce this liege-man gann to works more bold, and when he felt the folly of his lord, in his own kind he gann himself unfold, for he was wily-witted and grown old in cunning sleights and practic navery. From that day forth he cast forth to uphold his idle humour with fine fluttery, and blow the bellows to his swelling vanity. Trumpet fit man for bagadotio to serve at court in view of vaunting eye, bane glorious man, when fluttering wind does blow in his light wings, is lifted up to sky, the scorn of knighthood and true chivalry, to sink without dessert of gentle deed, and noble worth to be advanced at high. Such praise is shame, but honour virtues meet, doth bear the fairest flower in honourable seed. So forth they pass, a well-consorted pair, till at length with archimage they meet, who, seeing one that shone in armour fare and coarser thundering with his feet, effed soon supposed him a person-meat of his revenge to make the instrument. For since the Red Cross night he erst did wheat to bean with Gion knit in one consent, the ill, which erst to him he now to Gion meant. And coming close to Trumpet gann inquire of him what mighty warrior that moat be, that rode in golden cell with single spear, but wanted sword to wreak his enmity. He is a great adventurer, said he, that hath his sword through hard assay for gone, and now hath vowed till he avenged be of that despite, never to wear and none, that spear is him enough to do in a thousand groan. The enchanter greatly enjoyed in the vaunt, and weaned well ere long his will to win, and both his phone with equal foil to daunt, though to him louting lowly did begin to plain of wrongs, which had committed been by Gion, and by that false Red Cross night, which too through treason and deceitful gin hath slain so mordant, and his lady bright, that moat him on a win to wreak so foul despite. Therewith all suddenly he seemed enraged and threatened death with dreadful countenance, as if their lives had in his hand been gauged, and with stiff force shaking his mortal lance to let him wheat his doubty valiance. Thus said, old man, great sure shall be thy mead, if wear those knights for fear of due vengeance do luck, though certainly to me a reed, that I may recon them their heinous hateful deed. Sirters, my lord, said he, that shall I soon and give you eek good help to their decay, but moat I wisely you advise to doon. Give no odds to your foes, but do purveille yourself of sword before that bloody day, for they be too the prowess knights on ground, and after proved in many harder say, an eek of surest steel that may be found, do arm yourself against that day, them to confound. Dothard said he, let be thy deep advice, seems that through many years thy wits thee fail, and that weak eld hath left thee nothing wise. Else never should thy judgment be so frail to measure manhood by the sword or mail, is not enough for quarters of a man without an sword or shield, an oast to quail? Thou little wotest, what this right hand can, speak they which have beheld the battles, which it won. The man was much abashed at his boast, yet well he wist that whoso would contend with either of those knights on even coast should need of all his arms him to defend, yet feared lest his boldness should offend. Wrenbreger Docher said, once I did swear, when with one sword seven knights I brought to end, thence forth in battle never soared to bear, but it were that which noblest knight on earth doth wear. Prodecer Knight said then the enchanter blithe, that shall I shortly purchase to your hand, for now the best and noblest knight alive Prince Arthur is, that once in Fairyland he hath a sword, that flames like burning brunt. The same by my device I undertake shall buy tomorrow by thy side be fund, at which bold word that boaster gan to quake, and wandered in his mind, what moat that monster make. He stayed not for more bidding, but away was sudden banished out of his sight. The northern wind his wings did broad display at his command, and rearered him up light from off the earth to take his airy flight. They looked about, but nowhere could a spy tract of his foot, then dead through greater fright they both nigh were, and each bad other fly, both fled at once, nor ever back returned I. Till that they came unto a forest green in which they shrouded themselves from causeless fear, yet fear them follows still, where so they been each trembling leaf and whistling wind they hear, as ghastly bug their hair on end doth wear. Yet both do strive their fearfulness to feign, at last they heard a horn, that shrill had clear throughout the wood, that echoed again, and made the forest ring, as it would writhe in twain. Eft through the thick they heard one rudely rush, with noise whereof he from his lofty steed down fell to ground, and crept into a bush, to hide his coward head from dying dreed. But trumpet stoutly stayed to take an heed of what might happen. Eft soon there stepped forth, a goodly lady clad in hunter-weed, that seemed to be a woman of great worth, and by her stately portents, born of heavenly birth. Her face so fair as flesh it seemed it not, but heavenly portrait of bright angel's hue, clear as the sky, without an blame or blot, through goodly mixture of complexions due, and in her cheeks the vermal red did she, like roses in a bed of lilies shed, the witch and virgin orders from them through, and gazes sense with double pleasure fed, hable to heal the sick, and to revive the dead. In her fair eyes two living lamps did flame, kindled above at the heavenly maker's light, and darted fiery beams out of the same, so passing person, and so wondrous bright, that quite bereaved the rash behold his sight. In them the blinded god his lustful fire to kindle off the shade, but had no might, for with dread majesty and awful ire she broke his wanton darts, and quenched based desire. Her ivory forehead, full of bounty-brave, like a broad table did itself to spread, for love his lofty triumphs to engrave, and write the battles of his great god-head, all good and honour might therein be read, for there their dwelling was. And when she spake, sweet words like dropping honey she did shed, and twix the pearls and rubins softly break, a silver sound that heavenly music seems to make. Upon her eyelids many graces sate, under the shadow of her even brows, working bell-guards and amorous retreat, and every one her with a grace in dows, and every one with meekness to her boughs, so glorious mirror of celestial grace, and sovereign monument of mortal vows, how shall frail pen describe her heavenly face, for fear through want of skill her beauty to disgrace. So fair, and thousand, thousand times more fair she seemed, when she presented was to sight, and was eclad, for heat of scorching air, all in a silken, camous lily white, purpled upon with many a folded plight, all of besprinkled was throughout, with golden eyeglets that glisted bright, like twinkling stars, and all the skirt about was hemmed with golden fringe. Below her ham her weed was somewhat train, and her straight legs most bravely were embalmed in gilden buskins of costly cordwayne, all barred with golden bends, which were entailed with curious antics, and full fair o' mailed, before they fastened were, under her knee, in a rich duel, and therein entrail the ends of all their knots, that none might see how they within their foldings close and rapid be. Like two fair marble pillars they were seen, which do the temple of the God's support, whom all the people deck with girlens green, and honour in their festival resort. Those same with stately grace and princely port, she taught to tread when she herself would grace, but with the woody nymphs when she did play, and the flying librage she did chase, she could them nimbly move, and after fly a pace. And in her hand a sharp boarspear she held, and at her back a bow and quiver gay, stuffed with steel-headed dots, wherewith she quelled the salvage beasts in her victorious play, knit with a golden baldrick, which for they athought her snowy breast, and did divide her dainty paps, which like young fruit in May now little gant as well, and being tied through her thin weed their places only signified. Her yellow locusts crisped like golden wire, about her shoulders were an loosely shed, and when the wind amongst them did inspire, they wavered like a pen and wides distread, and low behind her back were scatter-ed. And whether art it were, or heagless hap, as through the flowing forest rash she fled, in her rude hares sweet florists themselves did lap, and flourishing fresh leaves, and blossoms did unwrap, such as Diana by the sandy shore, or swift Eurotus, or on Synthesis Green, where all the nymphs have her unawares for law, wand'reth alone with a bow and arrows keen to seek her game. Or as that famous queen of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy, the day that first of Priam she was seen, did show herself in great triumphant joy to sucker the weak state of sad afflicted Troy. Such when as heartless trumpet did her view, he was dismayed in his coward mind, and doubted whether he himself should shew, or fly away, or bide alone behind. Both fear and hope he in her face did find, when she had last him spying thus bespake. Hail, Groom! did not thou see a bleeding hind, whose right haunch urged my steadfast hour-strike? If thou didst, tell me that I may her overtake. Where is revived this answereth forth he through? O goddess, for such I thee take to be, for neither doth thy face terrestrial shew, nor voice down mortal, I avowed to thee such wounded beast as that I did not see, since erst into this forest wild I came, but moat thy goodly head forgiveth me to wheat, which of the gods I shall thee name, but unto thee do worship I may rightly frame. To whom she thus, but ere her words ensued, unto the bush her eye did sudden glance, in which vain braggadocio was mewed, and saw it stir, she left her piercing glance, and towards gone a deadly shaft advance, in mind to mark the beast, at which sad star trumpet forth stepped to stay the mortal chance out crying, whatever heavenly power or earthly white thou be, withhold this deadly hour. O stay thy hand, for yonder is no game for thy fierce arrows, them to exercise, but lo, my lord, my liege whose warlike name in far renowned through many bolden prize, and now in shade he shrouded yonder lies. She stayed, with that he crawled out of his nest, forth creeping on his cate of hands and thighs, and standing stoutly up his lofty crest did fiercely shake and rouse, as coming late from rest. As fearful foul, that long in secret cave for dread of soaring hawk herself hath hid, not caring how, her silly life to save, she her gay painted plumes disordered, seeing at last herself from danger rid, peeps forth, and soon renews her native pride, she gins her feathers foul as figured, proudly to prune, and set on every side, so shakes off shame, nor thinks how erst she did her hide. So when her goodly visage he beheld, he gann himself to vaunt, but when he viewed those deadly tools which in her hand she held, soon into other fits he was transmused, till she to him her greatest speech renewed, all hail, Sir Knight, and well may thee befall, as all the like which honour hath pursued through deeds of arms and prowess Martial, all virtue merits praise, but such the most of all. To whom he thus, fairest under sky, true be thy words and worthy of thy praise, that warlike feats dost highest glorify, therein have I spent all my youthly days, and many battles fought, and many frays throughout the world, where so they might be found, endeavouring my dreaded name to raise above the moon, that fame may it resound in her eternal trump, with laurel, girl, and crowned. But what art thou, lady, which doest range in this world forest, where no pleasure is, and doest not it for joyous court exchange amongst thine equal peers where happy bliss and all delight dost reign, much more than this? There thou mayst love and dearly love would be, and swim in pleasure which thou here dost miss, there mayst thou best be seen, and best mayst see. The wood is fit for beasts, the court is fit for thee. Whoso in pomp of proud estate, cause she dost swim, and bathes himself in courtly bliss, dost waste his days in dark obscurity, and in oblivion ever buried is. Where ease abound, it's eith to do amiss. But who his limbs with labours and his mind behaves with cares, cannot so easy miss a broad in arms, at home in studious kind, who seeks with painful toil, shall honour soonest find. In woods, in waves, in walls, she wants to dwell, and will be found with peril and with pain. Nor can the man that moulds in idle cell unto her happy mansion attain, before her gate high God did sweat ordain, and waitful watches ever to abide, but easy is the way, and passage plain to pleasure's palace, it may soon be spied, and day and night her doors to all stand open wide. In Prince's court the rest she would have said, but that the foolish man filled with delight of her sweet words that all his sense dismayed, and with her wondrous beauty ravished quite, ganbillen in filthy lust, and leaping light thought in his bastard arms her to embrace. With that she swar'ring back her javelin bright against him bent, and fiercely did menace, so turned her about, and fled away apace. Which when the peasant saw, amazed he stood, and grievered at her flight, yet durst he not pursue her steps no one would. Besides he feared her wrath, and threatened shot, whilst in the bush he lay, nor yet forgot. No cared he greatly for her presence vain, but turning said to Trompott, what foul blot is this to-night, that lady should again depart to woods untouched, and leave so proud disdain. Perdie said Trompott, let her pass at will, least by her presence danger moat before, for who can tell, and sure I fear it ill, that she is some power celestial. For while she spake, her great words did appall my feeble courage, and my heart oppress, that yet I quake and tremble over all. And I, said Braggadocio, thought no less when first I heard her horn sound with such ghastliness. For from my mother's womb this grace I have, me given by eternal destiny, that earthly thing may not my courage brave dismay with fear, or cause one foot to fly, to the hellish fiends, or powers on high. Which was the cause, when erst that horn I heard, weaning it had been thunder in the sky, I hid myself from it, as one feared, but when I other knew, myself I boldly reared. But now for fear of worse that may be tied, let us soon hence depart. They soon agree, so on his steed he got, and ganned to ride, as one unfit, therefore, that all might see, he had not trained been in chivalry, which well that valiant Cawthor did discern, for he despised to tread in due degree, but chuffed and foamed with courage, pierce and stern, and to be eased of that base burden still did earn. End of Canto III. Book II. The Legend of Sergion. Book IV. Gion does furor bind in chains, and stops occasion, delivers fedon, and therefore it by strife is railed upon. In brave pursuit of honorable deed, there is I know not what great difference between the vulgar and the noble seed, which unto things of valorous pretense seems to be borne by native influence. His feats of arms and love to entertain, but chiefly skilled to ride seems a science proper to gentle blood. Some others feign to manage steeds, as did this vaunter, but in vain. But he, the rightful owner of that steed who well could manage and subdue his pride, the wiles on foot was forced for to yead, for his most trusty guide, who suffered not his wandering feet to slide, but when strong passion or weak fleshliness would from the right way seek to draw him wide, he would through temperance and steadfastness teach him the weak to strengthen and the strong suppress. It fortunate forth faring on his way he saw from far to see some troublous uproar or contentious fray where to he drew in haste it to agree. A madman or that feign it mad to be drew by the hair along upon the ground a handsome stripling with great cruelty whom sore he bet and gored with many a wound that cheeks with tears and sides with blood did all and him behind a wicked hag did stalk in ragged robes and filthy disarray her other leg was lame that she know to walk but on a staff her feeble steps did stay her locks that lowly were and hoary grey grew all a four and loosely hung unrolled but all behind was bald and worn away that none thereof could ever take and hold in acre face ill favoured full of wrinkles old and ever as she went her tongue did walk in foul reproach in terms of vile despite provoking him by her outrageous talk to heap more vengeance on that wretched white sometimes she wrought him stones were with to smite sometimes her staff though it her one leg were without in which she could not go upright may any evil means she did forbear that might him move to wrath and indignation rear the noble guy on moved with great remorse approaching first the hag did thrust away and after adding more impetuous force his mighty hands did on the mad man and plucked him back who all on fire straight away against him turning all his fell intent with beastly brutish rage gan him assay and smut and bit and kicked and scratched and rent and did he wist not what in his avengement and sure he was a man of mickled might had he had governance well to guide but when the frantic fit inflamed his sprite his force was vain and struck more often wide then at the amid mark which he had eyed and oft himself he chanced to hurt unwares whilst reason blint through passion not described but as a blind fold bull at a random fares hurts not cares his rude assault and rugged handling strange seemed to the night that I with foe in fair defense and goodly managing of arms was want to fight yet neithermo was he abashed now not fighting so but more in fiercid through his courage play him sternly gripped and hailing to and fro to overthrow him strongly did assay but over through himself unwares and lower lay and being down the villain sword it beat and bruised with clownish fists his manly face and eek the hag with many a bitter threat still called upon to kill him in the place with whose reproach and odious menace the night in boiling in his hearty heart knit all his forces and again soon unbrace grasping hold so lightly did upstart and drew his deadly weapon to maintain his part which when the Palmer saw he loudly cried not so oh Gaia never think that so that monster can be mastered or destroyed he is not ah he is not such a foe a steel can wound or strength can overthrow that same is furor cursed cruel white that unto knighthood works much shame and woe and that same hag his aged mother height occasion the root of all wrath and despite with her whose so will raging furor tame must first begin and well her amenage first her restraint from her reproach full blame and evil means with which she doth frantic son and kindles his courage then when she is withdrawn or strong with stood it's eat his idle fury to assuage and calm the tempest of his passion would the banks are overflowing when stopping is the flood there with Sir Gaia left his first imprise and turning to that woman fast her hint by the whore locks that hung before her eyes and to the ground her through yet nude she stent her bitter railing and foul revilement but still provoked her son to wreak her wrong but it may the less he did her still torment and catching hold of her ungracious tongue thereon an iron lock did fasten firm and strong then when his use of speech was from her ref with her two crooked hands the signs did make and beckoned him the last help she had left but he that last left help away to take and both her hands fast bound unto a stake that she note stir then again her son to fly full fast away and did her quite forsake but Gaia after him in haste did high and soon overtook in sad perplexity in his strong arms he stiffly him embraced who him gain striving not at all prevailed for all his power was utterly defaced and furious fits at earth quite worren quailed after he reinforced and after his forces failed yet yield he would not nor his rank or slack then him to ground he cast and rudely hailed hands fast bound behind his back and both his feet in fetters to an iron rack with hundred iron chains he did him bind and hundred knots that did him sore constrain yet his great iron teeth he still did grind and grimly Nash threatening revenge in vain his burning iron whom bloody strikes did stain stared full wide and through forth sparks of fire and more for rank despite then for great pain shaped his long locks colored like copper wire and bit his tawny beard to shoe his raging ire then when his guy on furor had captive turning about he saw that wretched squire whom that mad man of life nylated deprived lying on the ground all soiled and mire whom when as he perceived to respire he gained to comfort and his wounds to dress being at last recured he can inquire what hard mishap him brought to such distress and made that Cate's thrall the thrall of wretchedness with heart then throbbing and with watery eyes fair circle he what man can shun the hap that hidden lies unwares him to surprise misfortune waits advantage to entrap the man most wary in her whelming lap so me weak wretch of many weakest one unwitting and unware of such mishap she brought to mischief through occasion where this same wicked villain did me light upon it was a faithless squire that was the source of all my sorrow and of these sad tears with whom from tender dug of coming nurse at once I was up brought and effed when years more ripe us reason lend to choose our peers ourselves in league of valid love we knit in which we long time without jealous fears continued as was fit and for my part I vowed disimplet not of wit it was my fortune communed to that age to love a lady fair of great degree the witch was born of noble parentage and set in highest seat of dignity yet seemed no less to love than love it to be long I her served and found her faithful still thing could cause us disagree love that two hearts makes one makes each one will each strove to please and others pleasure to fulfill my friend I did partake of all my love and all my privity who greatly joyous seem it for my sake and gracious to that lady as to me I write that moat so welcome be as he to her without in blot or blame never thing that she could think or see but unto him she would impart the same a wretched man that would abuse so gentle dame at last such grace I found and means I wrought that I that lady to my spouse had won a cord of friends and of parents sought a firence made my happiness begun there wanted not but few rights to be done which marriage make that a day too far did seem most joyous man on whom the shining sun did show his face my self I did esteem and that my falser friend did no less joyous dame but ere that wretched day his beam disclosed he either envying my toward good or of himself to treason ill-disposed one day unto me came infriendly mood and told for secret how he understood that lady whom I had to me assigned had both disdained her honourable blood and eek the faith which she to me did bind and therefore wished me stay till I more truth should find the gnawing anguish and sharp jealousy which his sad speech infixed in my breast wrankled so sore and festered inwardly that my ingreived mind could find no rest till that the truth thereof I did out rest and him besought by that same sacred band betwixt us both to counsel me the best he then with solemn oath and plighted hand assured ere long the truth to let me understand ere long with like again he boarded me saying he now had bolted all the floor and that it was a groom of base degree which of my love was partner paramour who use it in a dark some inner bower her oft to meet which better to approve he promise it to bring me at that hour when I should see that would me nearer move and drive me to withdraw my blind, abusive love this graceless man for furtherance of his guile did court the handmaid of my lady dear who glad timbuzum his affection vile did all she might more pleasing to appear one day to work her to his will more near he would her thus praieni so she height with greater despite doth fortune to thee bear thus lowly to abase thy beauty bright that it should not deface all others lesser light but if she had her least help to thee lint to adorn thy form according to thy dessert their blazing pride that would soon have blend and stained their praises with thy least good part she should fair claribel with all her art though she thy lady be approach thee near for proof thereof this evening is thou art a ray thyself in her most gorgeous gear that I may more delight in thy embracement dear the maiden proud through praise and mad through love him heartened too and soon herself arrayed the wiles to me the treacher the crafty engine and as he said me leading in a secret corner laid the sad spectator of my tragedy where left he went and his own false part played disguise it like that groom of base degree whom he had feigned the abuser of my love to be eft soonce he came unto the appointed place and with him brought in claribel's clothes her proper face I not discerned in that dark some shade but weaned it was my love with whom he played ah God what horror and tormenting grief my heart my hands mine eyes and all assayed me leave her were ten thousand deaths brief then wound of jealous worm and shame of such reprieve I home returning fraught with foul despite and choying vengeance all the way I went soon as my loathed love appeared in sight with wrathful hand I slew her innocent that after soon I dearly did lament for when the cause of that outrageous deed demanded I made plain and evident her faulty hand made which that bail did breed I confessed how Philemon her wrought to charge her weed which when I heard with horrible of fright and hellish fury all enraged I sought upon myself that vingeable despite to punish yet it better first I thought to wreak my wrath on him that first it wrought to Philemon false fator Philemon I cast to pay that I so dearly bought and deadly drugs I gave him drink a nun and washed away his guilt with guilty potion thus heeping crime on crime and grief on grief to loss of love adjoining loss of friend I am meant to purge both with a third mischief and in my woes beginner it to end that was Priene she did first offend which cruel intent when I at her my murderous blade did bend she fled away with ghastly dreariment and I pursuing my fell purpose after went fear gave her wings and rage enforced my flight through woods and planes so long I did her chase till this madman whom your victorious might has now fast bound yet in middle space as I her so he me pursued a pace and shortly overtook I breathing ire sore choffed at my stay in such a case and with my heat kindled his cruel fire which kindled once his mother did more rage inspire betwixt them both they have me done to die through wounds and strokes and stubborn handling that death were better than such agony as grief and fury under me did bring of which in me yet sticks the mortal sting that during life will never be appeased when he thus ended had his sorrowing said Gaion squire sore have you been diseased but all your hurts may soon through temperance be eased then Gaion the palmer thus most wretched man that to affections does the bridle lend in their beginning they are weak and one but soon through sufferance grow to fearful end while they are weak betimes with them contend for when they once to perfect strength do grow strong wars they make and cruel battery bend reason it to overthrow wrath jealousy grief love this squire have laid thus low wrath jealousy grief love do thus expel wrath is a fire and a jealousy a weed grief is a flood and love a monster fell the fire of sparks the weed of little seed the flood of drops the monster filth did breed but sparks seed drops and filth do thus delay the sparks soon quench the springing seed outweed the drops dry up and filth wipe clean away so shall wrath jealousy grief love die and decay unlucky squire said Gaion sith thou hast fallen unto mischief through intemperance henceforth take heed of that thou now hast past and guide thy ways with weary governance least worse betide thee by some later chance but read how art thou named and of what kin feed on i-height quote he and do advance my ancestry from famous Corridan first to raise our house to honor did begin thus as he spake lo far away they spied a varlet running towards hastily whose flying feet so fast their way applied that round about a cloud of dust did fly which mingled all with sweat did dim his eye he soon approached panting breathless what and all so soiled none could him describe his countenance was bold and bashed not for Gaion's looks but scornful eye glance at him shot behind his back he bore a brazen shield on which was drawn fair in colors fit a flaming fire in midst of bloody field and round about the wreath this word was writ burnt I do burn right well beseemed it to be the shield of some redoubted knight and in his hand to dart exceeding flit into deadly sharp he held whose heads were died in poison and in blood of malice and despite when he in presence came to Gaion first he boldly spake sir knight if knight thou be abandoned this forstalled place at erst harm I counsel thee or bide the chance at thine own jeopardy the knight at his great boldness wondered and though he scorned his idle vanity yet mildly him to purpose answered for not to grove not he it conjectured varlet this place most due to me I deem yielded by him that held it forcibly but whence should come that harm which thou dost seem to threat to him that mines his chance to buy pardy said he here comes and is hard by a knight of wondrous power and great assay that never yet encountered the enemy but did him deadly don't or foul dismay nay thou for better hope if thou his presence stay how height he then said Gaion and from whence Pyroclease is his name renown and far for his bold feats and hardy confidence full oft approved in many a cruel war the brother of Kymoclease both which are the sons of old acrates and despite acrates son of phlegatone and jar but phlegatone is son of heribus and knight but heribus son of eternity is height so from immortal race he does proceed that mortal hands may not withstand his might dread for his daring do and bloody deed for all in blood and spoil is his delight his am I at in his in wrong and right that matter make for him to work upon and stir him up to strife and cruel fight fly therefore fly this fearful steadunon least of I fool hard eyes work thy sad confusion his be that care who most did the doth concern said he but wither with such hasty flight art thou now bound for well mode I discern great cause that carries thee so swift and light my lord both he me sent and straight be height to seek occasion where so she be for he is all disposed to bloody fight and breeds out rough and heinous cruelty hard is his hap that first falls in his jeopardy madman said then the palmer that does seek occasion to wrath and cause of strife she comes unsought and shone it follows eek happy who can abstain when rank or rife kindles revenge and threats his rusty knife woe never once where every cause is caught and rash occasion makes unquiet life then low where bound she sits whom thou hast sought said Gion let that message to thy lord be brought that when the varlet heard and saw straight way he waxed wondrous wrath and said vile knight that knights shame of bray and shoest the insample of thy childish might with silly weak old woman thus to fight great glory and gay spoil sure has to thou got and stoutly proud thy poisons here in sight that shell pyroclies well requite I want and with thy blood abolish so reproachful plot with that one of his headed with ire and vingeable despite the quivering steel his aim it end well new and to his breast itself intended right but he was wary and ere it impite in the mint mark advanced his shield a tween on which it seizing no way intermite but back rebounding left the fork head keen after soons he fled away and might nowhere be seen end of canto 4